Multiplexed quick response (&#34;qr&#34;) code experience derivation

ABSTRACT

An optical code scanner being operated using an algorithm is provided. The scanner may scan an optical label. The label may include machine-readable code. The scanner may derive a single set of instructions from the code or multiple sets of instructions from the code. The scanner may process the code. The processing may upload a set of instructions from the code to the scanner and store the set of instructions in an instructions library. The scanner may also derive a picture associated with the instructions and store the picture in the library. The scanner may display a plurality of pictures. Each of the pictures may correspond to a set of uploaded instructions stored on the scanner. Each of the plurality of pictures may be selectable by a user. In response to a user selection of a picture, the scanner may be configured to execute the uploaded instructions that correspond to the selected picture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference herein co-pending,commonly-assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/988,678,entitled, “MACHINE-READABLE LABEL GENERATOR”, filed Aug. 9, 2020, in itsentirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to technology for generating andscanning machine-readable optical labels such as quick-response (“QR”)codes.

BACKGROUND

QR codes provide businesses with a fast and efficient medium forconnecting with consumers. Instructions, such as Uniform ReferenceLocators (“URLs”), contact information and other information andcomputer-readable instructions may be encoded in QR codes. Businessesmay leverage QR codes to guide consumers to a desired destination (realor virtual) where the customers can access products or services providedby the business. A scanning device is typically used to scan andinterpret the instructions encoded in a QR code.

In 2010, 62.6 million people in the United States used smartphones. In2020 that number is predicted to more than quadruple to 272.6 million.Commensurate with increased smartphone use is integration of technologyinto smartphones that scans and interprets QR codes. Today, manysmartphones include a native camera application that can recognize QRcodes. There is no need to download and install a separate QR readerapplication or use the separate QR reader to scan a QR code.

QR codes now offer an inexpensive means of providing many consumers withconvenient access to products or services. Consumers are already usingtheir smartphones to search for more information about a product/serviceof interest. Now, businesses can tap into this tendency by using QRcodes to guide consumers to targeted content associated with aproduct/service. Furthermore, QR codes are inexpensive and easy to printon a variety of surfaces such as business cards, labels, productpackaging, posters or marketing materials.

However, one hurdle still facing widespread adoption of QR codes is thatthe instructions encoded in a QR code must follow regimented protocols.The regimented protocols ensure that encoded instructions can besuccessfully scanned and interpreted by a smartphone. However, theseprotocols typically limit the amount of information that can be derived,extracted or decoded from a QR code.

Moreover, these protocols control the specifications and/or govern theoperative capabilities of QR code scanners used to derive theinformation from the QR code. Current smartphones provide QR readerapplications that potentially allow for more advanced scan responsesthan other readers. Current smartphones may be able to providecustomized QR reader applications. Customized QR reader applications maybe downloaded as a smartphone application. However, scanning responsesare limited to the limited instructions provided in QR code.

It would be desirable to provide apparatus and methods for generating QRcodes that promote configurable scanner specifications.

It would be even more desirable to provide a QR code that can provide afirst instruction(s) to a scanner having a first configuration and asecond instruction(s) to a second scanner having a second configuration.

It would be still more desirable to provide a QR code that, depending onthe configuration of the scanner, provides more than one possible userexperience for the same QR code—or for directly adjacent areas withinstruction sets.

It would be even more desirable to provide a QR code with multipleregions, whereby each region represents a discrete instructions set.

It would also be desirable to provide a QR code that mines additionalregions within a conventional QR code footprint that have, heretofore,been unused. Further to this aspect, it would be desirable to provide adiscrete instruction set, or different instruction sets, that is locatedsolely within one or more locations associated with the additionalregion or is located in a combination of the conventional QR code regionin combination with the additional region.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A method for scanning an optical label is provided. The optical labelmay include a primary optical label machine-readable code region and atleast one secondary optical label machine-readable code region. Themethod may include activating a scanning application on an optical labelscanner.

The method may also include retrieving information, using the scanningapplication activated on the optical label scanner, from the primaryoptical label machine-readable code region. The method may then includeretrieving information, using the scanning application, from the atleast one secondary optical label machine-readable code region. In someembodiments, the method, or methods, may include combining “public”information—i.e., information retrieved from a public-facing label—with“private/PIN” information—i.e., information derived from the scanner(and/or scanner user). Such information may determine one or moreactions taken subsequent to the scan.

The primary optical label machine-readable code may preferably include amagnitude of an area that is greater than a magnitude of an areaassociated with the secondary optical label machine-readable coderegion.

The secondary optical label machine-readable code region or regions mayinclude instructions that are different from instructions included theprimary optical label machine-readable code region, but will preferablybe within the field of view of the overall scanning application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent uponconsideration of the following detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a prior art illustration of a QR scan experience inaccordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 shows a Flowcode™ scan experience in accordance with theprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows yet another illustrative diagram in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative diagram in accordance with principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows yet another illustrative diagram in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative diagram of a deconstructed Flowcode™ inaccordance with principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows another illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ dual experiencein accordance with principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative diagram of a condensed Flowcode™ dualexperience in accordance with principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows only external regions of a Flowcode™ according to theprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows yet another illustrative diagram of a reconstructedFlowcode™ in accordance with principles of the disclosure;

FIGS. 13A-C show illustrative diagrams of a Flowcode™ in accordance withthe principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary Flowcode™ home screen in accordance with theprinciples of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative flow diagram of a method in accordancewith the disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows another illustrative flow diagram of a method inaccordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a series of Flowcode™ screens in accordance with theprinciples of the disclosure; and

FIG. 18 shows yet another illustrative flow diagram of a method inaccordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A system for generating a machine-readable optical label is provided. Anillustrative machine-readable optical label may be a quick-response(“QR”) code. Other illustrative machine-readable optical labels mayinclude a linear barcode or a two-dimensional matrix barcode such asAztec code, ShotCode, SPARQCode, and the like.

The system may include a software dashboard. The dashboard may include auser interface (“UI”) that provides access to software tools forentering one or more design choices for a machine-readable opticallabel, such as a QR code. An associated software engine may generate amachine-readable optical label based on the user entered design choices.

A machine-readable optical label may include a plurality ofmodules—i.e., areas within the code that are directed to pre-definedtasks and/or functions. A module may be a dark module or a light module,or modules with different colors, visible or in other spectra such asinfrared or ultraviolet. A scanning device, such as a smartphone, may beconfigured to interpret instructions encoded by a pattern of light anddark modules. For example, the scanning device may interpret the patternof modules as a binary encoded message. A light module may represent a0, and a dark module may represent a 1, or vice versa.

A pattern of modules within a machine-readable optical label may definea data zone, position detection patterns, timing patterns, an errorcorrection level and error correction code. The data zone may includemachine readable instructions that, when scanned, triggers an action ona device used to scan the machine-readable optical label. For example,the machine-readable optical label may include instructions forlaunching a webpage or text message application. The instructionsencoded in the data zone may prefill a destination field of the textmessage or insert text into the body of a message. The instructionsencoded in the data zone may trigger a display of information on thescanning device such as a product identifier or instructions on how touse the product. The more information included within the data zone, themore modules a machine-readable optical label will have to encode thatinformation.

Position detection patterns may provide instructions that orient ascanning device to identify and read the data zone. Position detectionpatterns may include position markers. For example, a machine-readableoptical label may include three position markers (“eyes”) at a top left,top right, and bottom left of the machine-readable optical label.Position markers may be defined based on a pattern of light/darkmodules. For example, a position marker may be spaced apart from thedata zone by a border of light modules. The position marker may includean outer border of dark modules. The outer border may surround an innerborder of light modules. The inner border of light modules may surrounda core of dark modules. A position mark may be designed to include apattern of modules that is unlikely to appear elsewhere within themachine-readable optical label.

Each position marker may be linked to another position marker by atiming pattern. An illustrative timing pattern may include a horizontalline of alternating light/dark modules. An illustrative timing patternmay include a vertical line of alternating light/dark modules. Each lineof alternating light/dark modules may start and end with a dark module.

The position detection pattern may include an alignment pattern. Analignment pattern may overlap a timing pattern. The alignment patternmay include one or more alignment markers. An illustrative alignmentmarker may include an outer border of dark modules surrounding an innerborder of light modules and a single dark module in the center of themarker.

The alignment pattern may allow a scanning device to determine anorientation of the machine-readable optical label. The alignment patternmay improve scanning speed of the machine-readable optical label. Thealignment pattern may include markers or a pattern that allows ascanning device to orient the machine-readable optical label despitedisplacement of modules due to distortion. For example, the alignmentpattern may allow a device to scan machine-readable optical labelsapplied to a curved surface. Generally, a larger machine-readableoptical label will include more alignment patterns than a smallermachine-readable optical label. Size of a machine-readable optical labelmay be defined based on a number of modules included in themachine-readable optical label.

The machine-readable optical label may include error correction code.The error correction code may be included in the data zone. Anillustrative error correction code may include Reed-Solomon codes. Theerror correction code may be applied to restore data encoded by moduleswhen a segment of a machine-readable optical label is missing ordamaged. A machine-readable optical label may include various levels oferror correction.

Modules used for error correction store redundant copies of data thatcompensate for damaged modules that cannot be read by a scanner. Anexemplary target error correction level may allow restoration of atleast 15% of data bytes. The target error correction level is determinedbased on Reed-Solomon codes included in the machine-readable opticallabel. Other illustrative target error correction levels may include:

-   -   Level L—7% of data bytes can be restored.    -   Level M—15% of data bytes can be restored.    -   Level Q—25% of data bytes can be restored.    -   Level H—30% of data bytes can be restored.

A machine-readable optical label that includes a 30% error correctionlevel will be scannable by a device even if 30% of the modules aredamaged (soiled, washed out, faded, replaced with images). Generally,the higher level of error correction included in the machine-readableoptical label, the less instructions can be stored within a data zone ofthe machine-readable optical label.

An optical label according to the disclosure is provided. The label mayinclude a primary optical label machine-readable code region. Theprimary optical label machine-readable code region may include a firstarea.

The optical label may also include a secondary optical labelmachine-readable code region. The secondary optical labelmachine-readable code region may include a second area. The first areamay include a magnitude that is greater than a magnitude of the secondarea.

The primary optical label machine-readable code region may also includea first plurality of instructions that are different from a secondplurality of instructions. The second plurality of instructions may belocated in and/or derived from the secondary optical labelmachine-readable code region. In some embodiments, the first pluralityof instructions, when processed in conjunction with the second pluralityof instructions, may form a third plurality of instructions.

The magnitude of the primary area may in certain embodiments, begreater, by at least 30% of the magnitude of the primary area, than themagnitude of the secondary area.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of instructions may beconfigured, in response to a scanning and a processing of theinstructions in the primary optical label machine-readable code region,to direct a scanner to a first URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or othersuitable location. In addition, the second plurality of instructions maybe configured, in response to a scanning and a processing of theinstructions in the secondary optical label machine-readable coderegion, to direct the scanner to a second URL.

Certain embodiments may include a label that provides, in addition tothe first and second plurality of instructions, a third plurality ofinstructions. The third plurality of instructions may, in someembodiments, be based on the first plurality of instructions and thesecond plurality of instructions. In other embodiments, the thirdplurality of instructions may be based on one of the first and secondplurality of instructions. In yet other embodiments, the third pluralityof instructions may be based on a region of code that is different fromthe first region of code, used to derive the first set of instructions,and different from the second region of code and to derive a second setof instructions. It should be noted as well that the third plurality ofinstructions may be configured to direct the scanner to a third URL orother suitable location. The third URL may be different from the firstand second URLs identified above.

In certain embodiments, the secondary optical label machine-readablecode region may be formed from a plurality of discrete regions. Theplurality of discrete regions may substantially, if not completely,surround the primary optical label machine-readable code. Alternatively,the plurality of discrete regions may be distributed evenly or unevenlywith respect to the primary code region, but not surround the primarycode region.

In some embodiments of the invention, the label may contain, in additionto the primary and secondary regions, a tertiary optical labelmachine-readable code region. In some embodiments, the tertiary opticallabel machine-readable code region may form an external border aroundthe primary optical label machine-readable code region. The tertiaryoptical label machine-readable code region may, in certain embodiments,form an external border around the secondary optical labelmachine-readable code region. The tertiary optical labelmachine-readable code region may, in certain embodiments, form anexternal border around the second plurality of discrete regionsdescribed above.

The embodiments set forth herein may involve an optical code scanner.The scanner may be operated using an algorithm. Elements of thealgorithm are set forth hereinbelow as described in the context of thevarious configurations of the scanner.

The scanner may be configured to scan an optical label. For the purposesof this application an optical label may be understood to refer to anymulti-dimensional construct that is capable of being retrieved andinterpreted by, for example, an optical scanner. For example, theoptical label may include machine-readable code that is set forth in theformat of optical markings. The scanner may be used to process the code.The processing of the code may trigger an uploading of a set ofinstructions from the code to a safe zone within the scanner.

The processing may also include determining whether the set ofinstructions in the code includes malware—short for malicious software.Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms ofhostile or intrusive software. Such hostile or intrusive software mayinclude computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware,adware, scareware, and other malicious programs. It can take the form ofexecutable code, scripts, active content, and other software. Malware isdefined by its malicious intent, acting against the requirements, orcontrary to the interests, of the computer user. In response to adetermination that the set of instructions includes malware, theprocessing of the code region may trigger termination of the uploadingof the code.

Certain embodiments may include an optical code scanner. The scanner maybe operated using an algorithm. The scanner may be configured to processthe code stagewise. The stagewise processing of the code may include, ina first stage, initiating uploading a set of instructions from the codeto the scanner.

In a second stage, the processing may include determining whether theset of instructions comprises a valid authorization instruction withinthe code. When the set of instructions is determined to comprise thevalid authorization instruction, then a third stage may include enablingcompletion of the uploading of the code.

Some embodiments of the invention may include an optical code scannerbeing operated using an algorithm and configured as follows. The scannermay be configured to scan an optical label. The label may includeoptical label machine-readable code. The scanner may process the code.The processing may include uploading a set of instructions from the codeto the scanner and storing the set of instructions in an instructionslibrary. The scanner may also derive a picture associated with theinstructions from the instructions stored within the library. Thescanner may also maintain a clickable picture of the code forassociating with the picture.

The scanner may be further configured to display a plurality ofpictures. Each of the pictures may correspond to a set of uploadedinstructions stored on the scanner.

In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of pictures isselectable by a user. In response to a user selection of a picture, thescanner may be configured to execute the uploaded instructions thatcorrespond to the selected picture.

Apparatus and methods described herein are illustrative. Apparatus andmethods in accordance with this disclosure will now be described inconnection with the figures, which form a part hereof. The figures showillustrative features of apparatus and method steps in accordance withthe principles of this disclosure. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and that structural, functional andprocedural modifications may be made without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present disclosure.

The steps of methods may be performed in an order other than the ordershown or described herein. Embodiments may omit steps shown or describedin connection with illustrative methods. Embodiments may include stepsthat are neither shown nor described in connection with illustrativemethods.

Illustrative method steps may be combined. For example, an illustrativemethod may include steps shown in connection with another illustrativemethod.

Apparatus may omit features shown or described in connection withillustrative apparatus. Embodiments may include features that areneither shown nor described in connection with the illustrativeapparatus. Features of illustrative apparatus may be combined. Forexample, an illustrative embodiment may include features shown inconnection with another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art illustration of a QR scan experience inaccordance with the prior art. QR code 102 shows a conventional QR code.Element 104 indicates a mobile device and mobile device screen that havebeen used to scan QR code 102. Following the scan, QR code 102 appearson the screen of the mobile device.

Following the scan of QR code 102 and the processing of same by themobile device, as shown at 104, element 106 indicates that the mobiledevice navigates the user to the website or other location identified byQR code 102.

FIG. 2 shows a Flowcode™ scan experience in accordance with theprinciples of the disclosure. Flowcode™ is shown at 202. It should benoted that Flowcode™ 202 may be understood to leverage a conventional QRcode footprint within a greater code area, as described in more detailbelow with respect to FIG. 3.

Element 204 shows scanning the Flowcode™ 202 with a mobile device toretrieve and process same.

Thereafter, processing Flowcode™ 202 takes a user to a website 206 orother suitable location associated with Flowcode™ 202.

FIG. 3 shows yet another illustrative diagram in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a conventional QR code 302alongside a Flowcode™ 304. Each of conventional QR code 302 andFlowcode™ 304 shows the data zone as circumscribed by a square 306.

The area circumscribed by square 306 is typically reserved for thestandard QR algorithm scan in the case of QR code 302 and the Flowcode™algorithm scan in the case of Flowcode™ 304. It should be noted that useof the area surrounded by square 306 either by conventional QR code 302or by Flowcode™ 304 precludes other uses of the surrounded area.Typically, such other uses interfere with the standard code-associateduse of the area circumscribed by square 306.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative diagram in accordance with principles ofthe disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a conventional QR code 402 and a Flowcode™404 that is different from Flowcode™ 304 shown in FIG. 3.

Specifically, Flowcode™ 404 is different in that a portion of the areaof Flowcode™ 404, within the area shown circumscribed by square 306 inFIG. 3, has been leveraged to include a company logo 406. It should benoted, as well, that an increase in the scannable area of Flowcode™obtains yet greater advantages with respect to increased scannableinformation, greater efficiency of code retrieval and an increase ofusable code area.

FIG. 5 shows yet another illustrative diagram in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure. FIG. 5 shows that the optimum scannerseeks an exclusively scannable area. To optimize brand information,however, the scannable area should be reduced to zero and only brandinformation should be displayed. This option, however, is unworkable atleast because a brand contains no scannable information.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ 604 alongside aconventional QR code 602 in accordance with principles of thedisclosure.

QR code 602 is shown with sides of one unit of length. The diagonalacross the square in QR code 602 measure 1.41 units. The area within QRcode 602 is 1 square unit.

The outer boundary of Flowcode™ 604 is shown as circumscribing an area606 corresponding to the area within QR code 602. The area of Flowcode™is equal to (π×(R=1.41/2)²), which is equal to 1.56 square units.

It should be noted that because the total area of Flowcode™ 604 will be1.56 square units the area within Flowcode™ 604 and outside of area 706will equal 0.56 square units—an increase over the area of QR code 602 of56%. Some embodiments according to the current disclosure leverage thisextra 0.56 square units of the scannable area, and the currently unusedpixels contained therein, to store additional, preferably scannable,information.

FIG. 7 shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ 708 in accordancewith principles of the disclosure. Flowcode™ 708 preferably includescode region 702, as circumscribed by square 706. It should be noted thatcode region 702 preferably is shown with conventional Flowcode™ 708 sizepixels. However, other size pixels are also possible for use withcertain embodiments and certain scanning protocols according to thesystems and methods of the disclosure. Flowcode™ 708 also includesexternal code regions 704. These external code regions represent anadditional, heretofore unrealized, opportunity with respect toincreasing scannable information, improving efficiency of code retrievaland increasing usable code area. To reiterate, rim 708 may, itself, forma code area such that information can be written in the rim line itself.Accordingly, the QR pattern can be within rim 708 such that rim 708forms an additional area of code.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative diagram of a deconstructed Flowcode™ inaccordance with principles of the disclosure. Deconstructed Flowcode™preferably includes primary code region 802+804 external code regions806. It should be noted that embodiments according to the inventionpreferably include an algorithm for implementation of scanningalgorithms using a scanner. The algorithm(s) are preferably configuredto interpret and process the instructions found in the pixels that arelocated in primary or internal code regions 802 and external coderegions 806. The algorithm may also be preferably configured tointerpret and process the logic found in the pixels that are located ina rim 808 that bounds the external portion of external code regions 806.The algorithm(s) may also be preferably configured to interpret andprocess the logic (which is embedded as machine-readable code) found inthe pixels that are located in square 810. It should be noted that,while five code regions are shown in FIG. 8, this number of code regionsis merely exemplary and any other suitable number of code regions iswithin the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, any code regioncould be either subdivided or used with different logic patternsthroughout the additional region. This flexible adaption of differentcode regions could preferably be used to take advantage of any pixelcombination. Each pixel, or group of pixels, could be used multipletimes and/or in multiple logic patterns.

In certain embodiments, the algorithm may also be preferably configuredto interpret and process, preferably simultaneously, two or more of thelogic constructs found in the pixels that are located in external coderegions 806, the logic constructs found in the pixels that are locatedwithin rim 808 and the logic constructs found in the pixels that may belocated within square 810. In such embodiments, a scanner with suitablelogic embedded therein, could preferably retrieve two or more sets ofinstructions preferably simultaneously.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ dual experience inaccordance with principles of the disclosure. FIG. 9 shows a firstmobile device screen 902, a second screen 904, a third screen 910 and afourth screen 912. Flowcode™ is formed from internal code region 906 andexternal code region 908.

In certain embodiments, internal code region 906, when scanned andprocessed, preferably triggers display of second screen 904 which, inresponse to a user selection or an automatic transfer, is capable ofnavigating a user to a website 912 entitled “Today's Your Morning.”Internal code region 906 may preferably be scanned using a conventionalmachine-readable optical label scanner (not shown). Preferably, theconventional machine-readable optical label scanner does not require anycustom code to scan and process internal code regions 906. Second screen904 preferably shows the internal code region 906 as retrieved. In someembodiments, second screen 904 could preferably navigate a user directlyto website 912, independent of showing the user second screen 904.

External code regions 908, when scanned and processed, preferablydirectly obtains third screen 910 which, in response to a user selectionor an automatic transfer, navigates a user to website 912 entitled“Today's Your Morning.”

Internal code region 908 may preferably be scanned using a code scannerembodied in the form of a custom-configured mobile device according tothe embodiments. Such a code scanner preferably is enabled, in certainembodiments, to retrieve information exclusively from external coderegions 908. In alternative embodiments, such a custom scanner accordingto the invention may be enabled to scan and process internal coderegions 906 together with external code regions 908.

It should be noted that all the examples shown herein are by way ofexample and are not intended to limit the disclosure other than by theclaims recited below.

FIG. 10 shows an illustrative diagram of a condensed Flowcode™ dualexperience in accordance with principles of the disclosure. FIG. 10shows a first website 1002 which may be retrieved by a conventionalmachine-readable optical label scanner in response to scanning Flowcode™1004. FIG. 10 shows a second website 1006 which may be retrieved by acustomized Flowcode™ scanner in response to scanning Flowcode™ 1004. Itshould be noted that such a customized Flowcode™ scanner may beconfigured to retrieve information from one or more of the externalregions of Flowcode™ 1004. In certain embodiments, a customizedFlowcode™ scanner may be configured to retrieve information from one ormore of the external regions of Flowcode™ 1004 in combination withinformation retrieved from the internal region of Flowcode™ 1004.

FIG. 11 shows just external regions 1106, 1108, 1110 and 1112 of aFlowcode™ 1102 according to the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 also shows “eyes” 1114, otherwise known as position markers.Position markers may be found at a top left, top right, and bottom leftof the machine-readable optical label. Position markers may be definedbased on a pattern of light/dark modules. For example, a position markermay be spaced apart from the data zone by a border of light modules. Theposition marker may include an outer border of dark modules. The outerborder may surround an inner border of light modules. The inner borderof light modules may surround a core of dark modules. A position markeras may be designed to include a pattern of modules that is unlikely toappear elsewhere within the machine-readable optical label.

Each position marker may be linked to another position marker by atiming pattern. An illustrative timing pattern may include a horizontalline of alternating light/dark modules. An illustrative timing patternmay include a vertical line of alternating light/dark modules. Each lineof alternating light/dark modules may start and end with a dark module.

The position detection pattern may include an alignment pattern. Analignment pattern may overlap a timing pattern. The alignment patternmay include one or more alignment markers. An illustrative alignmentmarker may include an outer border of dark modules surrounding an innerborder of light modules and a single dark module in the center of themarker.

The alignment pattern may allow a scanning device to determine anorientation of the machine-readable optical label and/or Flowcode™. Thealignment pattern may improve scanning speed of the code. The alignmentpattern may include markers or a pattern that allows a scanning deviceto orient the code despite displacement of modules due to distortion.For example, the alignment pattern may allow a device to scan codesapplied to a curved surface. Generally, a larger code will include morealignment patterns than a smaller code. Size of a code may be definedbased on a number of modules included in the code.

In the Flowcode™ shown in FIG. 11, the eyes may act to orient thecustomized scanner to retrieve the information only in internal region1103, only in the external regions 1106, 1108, 1110 and 1112, or in bothinternal region 1103 and external regions 1106, 1108, 1110 and 1112. Itshould be noted that while four external regions are shown in FIG. 11,embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate any suitable number ofdiscrete code regions.

In certain embodiments, the scanner may be configured to retrieveinformation from one or both of border zones 1104 and 1116.

In some embodiments, the scanner may be configured to retrieveinformation from one or more of border zones 1114, 1116, and externalregions 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112 and/or internal region 1103.

In certain embodiments, one or more of border zones 1104 and 1106 mayact as environmental zones. The environmental zone may include a bufferof light modules that surround a data zone and associated positiondetection patterns. The buffer may allow a scanning device todistinguish the data zone from its surrounding environment zone. Anillustrative buffer may be four light modules wide, or more or less thanfour light modules wide. It should be noted that, in certain embodimentsset forth herein—i.e., when border zones 1104 and 1106 are includescannable code—the environmental zones should preferably includesufficient area to accommodate environmental zones as well as areas forreadable code information.

While Flowcode™ 1102 is shown in circular format, with one or more ofborder zones 1114, 1116, and external regions 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112and/or internal region 1102, it should be noted that a Flowcode™ orother machine-readable optical label according to the disclosure doesnot have to be round. In fact, a Flowcode™ or other machine-readableoptical label according to the disclosure can be shapes other thancircular.

Moreover, preferably any suitable area—not just border zones 1114, 1116,and external regions 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, can be leveraged toincorporate additional scannable areas. Preferably any adjacent area,which can be scanned simultaneously with, or separate from, theFlowcode™ or machine-readable optical label can be leveraged to provideadditional scannable area for use in providing an optical labelaccording to the disclosure.

A software engine, which may be used to create the code, may generateone or more of the above-described environmental zones for the code. Thesoftware engine may generate, for integrating into the final code, thebuffer surrounding the internal regions of the code and the positiondetection patterns. The software engine may generate modules for anenvironmental zone surrounding the data zone. The environmental zone ofa code may include marks or designs that are not intended to beinterpreted by a scanning device. The appearance of a standard QR codemay be defined by one or more standards published by the InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) of Geneva, Switzerland.Illustrative standards published by the ISO include ISO/IEC 18004:2015and ISO/IEC 24778:2008 which are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

The software engine may generate a data zone for the code.

FIG. 12 shows yet another illustrative diagram of a reconstructedFlowcode™ 1200, as shown on devices 1202 and 1206, in accordance withprinciples of the disclosure. FIG. 12 shows retrieving and processinginformation from the external regions of Flowcode™ 1200. A first region1201 may preferably provide information related to an offer 1208associated with a website 1212. A second region 1203 may preferablyprovide information related to a reward 1214 related to website 1212. Athird region 1205 may preferably provide information related to content1216 of website 1212. A fourth region 1207 may preferably provideinformation related to data 1210 of website 1212.

It should be noted that FIG. 12 also shows that Flowcode™ 1200 may befurther customized to provide information in rim 1204 and/or internalregion 1211. To the extent that internal region 1211 comprises code thatmay be retrieved by a conventional machine-readable optical labelscanner, internal region 1211 may retrieve a website 1202 or other datathat is different from website 1212.

FIG. 13A shows an illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ in accordance withthe principles of the invention. Flowcode™ 1302 shows scannable externalregions 1303, 1304, 1306 and 1310. Flowcode™ 1302 also shows orientationmarkers 1312, 1314, 1316, and 1318. In addition, Flowcode™ 1302 shows aninternal region 1320 that is occupied, primarily, by typicallynon-scannable brand information. Flowcode™ 1302 also shows rim 1322,which can contain scannable information as well. In certain embodiments,orientation markers 1312-1318, as set forth herein may be leveraged toenable the scanner to read external regions 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308.

FIG. 13B shows another illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ 1300 inaccordance with the principles of the invention. Flowcode™ 1300 showsscannable external regions 1303, 1304, 1306 and 1310. Flowcode™ 1300shows optional orientation markers 1312, 1314, and 1316. It should benoted that these markers are optional and not required in allembodiments. In addition, Flowcode™ 1300 shows an internal region 1320that is occupied by a unique ID. The unique ID may be a linear barcodeor a two-dimensional matrix barcode. Internal region 1320 may includeany suitable label such as a suitable machine-readable optical label. Itshould be noted that the size of internal region 1320 may be limited bythe error correction level of the machine-readable optical label atleast because the space available for data to be encoded in primaryscanning region 1319 will be limited by the inclusion therein ofinternal region 1320.

It should be noted as well that a unique ID (shown only with respect tointernal region 1320) may also, in certain embodiments, be used to fillexternal regions 1303, 1304, 1306 and 1310 with readable codeinformation.

FIG. 13C shows yet another illustrative diagram of a Flowcode™ inaccordance with the principles of the invention. QR code 1332 preferablyincludes a primary region of code. Code area 1334 may include asecondary code region. Code area 1336 may include a third code region1336.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, primary code region 1332 isdevoid of markers 1338-1342. Secondary code region 1334, on the otherhand, includes orientation markers 1338 while third code region 1336includes markers 1340 and 1342. The flexible presentation of markersamong different code regions, or the lack of orientation markers, areall within the scope of the current disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a mobile device 1400. Mobile device 1400 displaysexemplary Flowcode™ home screen 1402. Home screen 1402 includes a user'sselectable (referred to herein in the alternative as “clickable”)personal Flowcode™ 1404. Such a personal Flowcode™ 1404 may, in certainembodiments, direct a user to a user homepage associated with theselectable Flowcode™ 1404.

Home screen 1402 is shown as having been associated with a single user.Home screen preferably enables a user to read and upload a code 1406and/or create a code 1408.

It should be noted that the user's personal Flowcode™ 1404 may enable auser to access a library of decoded and selectable codes. In certainembodiments, user's personal Flowcode™ 1404 can be shared with others byhaving others scan the code, click the code, message the code, otherwisecontact the code by electronic transmission, or by some other suitablecommunication process. In some embodiments, other users may be providedaccess to a user's library of decoded and selectable codes.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative flow diagram of a method in accordancewith the disclosure. Step 1502 shows using an optical scanner to scan anoptical label. Step 1504 shows initiating uploading of a set ofinstructions the optical label to the scanner.

At step 1506, the scanner determines whether the uploaded set ofinstructions includes a valid authorization instruction. Such anauthorization instruction may indicate that the code was “signed”—i.e.,authored—by a pre-determined entity.

At step 1508, the method indicates that, in response to determining thatthe instructions include a valid authorization instruction, the methodcompletes of the loading of the instructions in the code to the scanner,and the subsequent performance of instructions associated with thecompletion of the loading of the instructions in the code.

It should be noted that in certain embodiments, a software developer'skit (“SDK”) may be provided in accordance with the disclosure set forthherein. Such an SDK may preferably include a user-accessible module foradding to optical scanner configuration code. Such an SDK module maypreferably enable an application author to write an application forgenerating optical labels that include a unique signature. The uniquesignature may preferably enable the scanner application to determinewhether the scanned optical label was generated by a pre-determinedentity. In some embodiments, such an application may limit a scanner toprocessing only optical labels by one or more pre-determined entities.

In some embodiments involving the SDK and/or the API it should be notedthat applications for scanning optical labels that include a uniquesignature may preferably be configured to transmit the scanninginformation—the scanned data, the scan time, the scan location and/orcontext of a scan of a machine-readable optical label—to a centralizedserver. At the centralized server, the scanning information maypreferably be indexed and analyzed to determine trends involving user'sbehavior. Such retrieval, consolidation and analysis of scanninginformation should all preferably comply with relevant informationprivacy regulations.

In some embodiments, an application programming interface (“API”) may beused to access the validation algorithm set forth in FIG. 15. Forexample, if a user is building an application for QR code using an APIaccording to the disclosure, an app may embed a unique signature into aQR code according to such embodiments. The unique signature canpreferably include information identifying the entity associated withthe app and/or the creator of the scanned code. Such identityinformation preferably can be used by an app that includes a validationalgorithm. A scanner that includes the app may verify, at the time ofretrieval, the identity of the entity that generated a scanned opticallabel.

One method of confirming a unique signature embedded in an optical labelinvolves using cryptographic codes. For example, an optical labelgenerator may embed a private cryptographic key in a generated label.This embedded private key may be the unique signature of the opticallabel.

The optical label including the private cryptographic code may beconfigured to be executed by an optical scanner.

For example, the scanner may scan the optical label. The optical labelmay include code that may be signed, on behalf of the entity associatedwith generating the label, using the private cryptographic key.

Access to the private cryptographic key may be controlled by the creatoror entity associated with generating the label. To increase security,such a private cryptographic key may be signed in a pre-determined errordetection code level such that the private cryptographic key is notvisible to the human eye.

A customized scanning application that may be downloaded to, or residenton, the scanner may include a public cryptographic key. The publiccryptographic key may include a 32-byte key.

The customized scanning application may be customized at least becauseit is equipped with the public cryptographic key. The publiccryptographic key may be used to validate the private cryptographic keywithin the optical label and—thereby confirm a valid authorizationinstruction associated with the scanned optical label.

To reiterate, a scanned optical label may be signed, preferably using aprivate cryptographic key, by the creator and/or generator of the label.The signing the label may leverage an SDK or an API to integrate theprivate key into the generated label. The scanner, using the publiccryptographic key, may validate the scanned label to confirm the validauthorization instruction.

FIG. 16 shows another illustrative flow diagram of a method inaccordance with the disclosure. Similar to the method shown in FIG. 15,step 1602 shows using an optical scanner to scan an optical label.

Step 1604 shows processing information derived (or otherwise extracted)from the scanned optical label. At step 1606, the method shows uploadinga set of executable instructions that are derived (or otherwiseextracted) from the scanned label. Prior to taking action based on theinstructions, the instructions may be isolated in a safe zone—i.e., azone that is separated and secured from interacting with vulnerableportions of the scanner.

Such a safe zone may preferably be a memory location within the scannerwhere the instructions can be analyzed. For example, if the instructionsdirect a scanner to a pre-determined website, the website can bereviewed to determine whether it is a trusted website. This is shown atstep 1608, which states, generally, determining whether the instructionsinclude malware. Such malware may direct the scanner to theafore-mentioned untrusted website or the instructions itself may includedamaging information, such as, for example, a computer virus.

At step 1610, the scanner can, in response to a determination that theinstructions include malware, preferably terminate uploading of thecode. This termination preferably occurs while the code remains isolatedin the safe zone, and before the scanner takes actions based onexecuting the instructions.

FIG. 17 shows a series of Flowcode™ screens 1702, 1704 and 1706 inaccordance with the principles of the disclosure. Screens 1702, 1704 and1706 preferably indicate an exemplary set of scanning according to anapplication in accordance with the disclosure set forth herein.

Screen 1702 preferably shows that a Flowcode™ or anothermachine-readable optical label can be scanned with a customized scanner.Such a scanning can preferably trigger a rewards page, such as the pageshown on screen 1704. In addition, screen 1706 shows that codes, onceselected or clicked, can be stored, organized and displayed. It shouldbe noted that the codes, once selected or clicked, can preferably beimmediately checked for malware which would otherwise be triggered byclicking or selecting the QR code.

In the menu shown at 1710, such QR code can be represented by a pictureor other associated visual indicator. In addition, at 1712, screen showsthat the library may have a “recent” access button which enables usersto retrieve a system-set or user-defined number of most recentlyretrieved codes.

FIG. 18 shows yet another illustrative flow diagram of a method inaccordance with the disclosure. Similar to the method shown in FIGS. 15and 16, step 1802 shows using an optical scanner to scan an opticallabel.

Step 1804 shows processing code derived from the optical label. At step1806, the method shows uploading a set of instructions that are derived(or otherwise extracted) from the label into the scanner.

Step 1808 shows storing the set of instructions in an instructionslibrary. At step 1810, the method preferably derives a pictureassociated with the instructions from the instructions that are storedwithin the library. It should be noted that the picture may preferablybe derived from instructions either before or after the instructions arestored within the library. Such a library may be indexed to provide auser an easily accessible list of QR codes which the user has recentlyaccessed.

Thus, a MULTIPLEXED QUICK RESPONSE (“QR”) CODE EXPERIENCE DERIVATION isprovided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentinvention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than oflimitation. The present invention is limited only by the claims thatfollow.

1-23. (canceled)
 24. An optical label comprising: an authorizationinstruction that determines whether the optical label was authored by apredetermined entity; and a functional instruction that triggers anaction on a scanning device.
 25. The optical label of claim 24, wherein:the authorization instruction triggers execution of a validation routineon the scanning device; and the validation routine validates theauthorization instruction.
 26. The optical label of claim 24 wherein:the functional instruction triggers execution of a validation routine onthe scanning device; and the validation routine validates theauthorization instruction.
 27. The optical label of claim 24 furthercomprising a data zone and the authorization instruction and thefunctional instruction are both encoded in the data zone.
 28. Theoptical label of claim 24 wherein the authorization instructioncomprises a unique signature created by a cryptographic key.
 29. Theoptical label of claim 28 wherein the unique signature is verifiable bythe scanning device.
 30. The optical label of claim 28 wherein theunique signature is verifiable by an application running on the scanningdevice.
 31. The optical label of claim 28 wherein the cryptographicalkey is a first cryptographical key and the unique signature isverifiable by a second cryptographical key.
 32. The optical label ofclaim 24 wherein the functional instruction triggers, on the scanningdevice, examination of whether the functional instruction includesmalware.
 33. The optical label of claim 24 wherein the authorizationinstruction causes the functional instruction to be held in a safe zonewithin the scanning device until after a validating of the authorizationinstruction.
 34. The optical label of claim 24 wherein the authorizationinstruction is encoded in a first region of the optical label and thefunctional instruction is encoded in a second region of the opticallabel.
 35. The optical label of claim 34 wherein the first region isinside a data zone of optical label and the second region is outside thedata zone.
 36. An optical label comprising machine-readable instructionsthat, when processed by a scanning device, determine whether the opticallabel was authored by a predetermined entity.
 37. The optical label ofclaim 36 wherein the machine-readable instructions comprise a uniquesignature created by a cryptographic key.
 38. The optical label of claim37 wherein the cryptographical key is a first cryptographical key andthe unique signature is verifiable by a second cryptographical key. 39.The optical label of claim 36 wherein: the machine-readable instructionsare a first plurality of machine-readable instructions; and the opticallabel comprises a second plurality of machine-readable instructions thattrigger an action on a device used to scan the optical label.
 40. Theoptical label of claim 36 wherein: the machine-readable instructions arefirst plurality of machine-readable instructions; the optical labelcomprises a second plurality of machine-readable instructions; and whenthe first plurality of machine-readable instructions is processed by thescanning device in conjunction with the second plurality ofmachine-readable instructions, the second plurality of machine-readableinstructions unlock a previously-locked portion of the first pluralityof machine-readable instructions.
 41. The optical label of claim 36wherein: the machine-readable instructions are first plurality ofmachine-readable instructions; the optical label comprises: a secondplurality of machine-readable instructions that direct the scanningdevice a first Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”); and a third pluralityof machine-readable instructions, said third plurality ofmachine-readable instructions: being based on the first plurality ofmachine-readable instructions and the second plurality ofmachine-readable instructions; and direct the scanning device to asecond URL.
 42. The optical label of claim 39 wherein the secondplurality of machine-readable instructions comprises at least twodiscrete regions of the optical label.
 43. The optical label of claim 42wherein the at least two discrete regions substantially surround thefirst plurality of machine-readable instructions.
 44. The optical labelof claim 39 wherein: a first region of the optical label comprises thefirst plurality of machine-readable instructions; and a second region ofthe optical label: substantially surrounds the first region of theoptical label; and comprises the second plurality of machine-readableinstructions.
 45. The optical label of claim 42 further comprising athird plurality of machine-readable instructions, wherein the thirdplurality of machine-readable instructions form an external borderaround the at least two discrete regions.
 46. The optical label of claim36 wherein: the machine-readable instructions are first plurality ofmachine-readable instructions; and the optical label comprises a secondplurality of machine-readable instructions that triggers execution, on adevice that scans the optical label, of a validation routine thatdetermines whether the second plurality of machine-readable instructionsincludes malware.